“The Menu. / “To Catch a Killer.” / “Ted K.”

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“The Menu” (2022, Netflix) black comedy horror film. Don't prejudge. This movie grossed $79.6 million worldwide from a production budget of $30 million. Also, positive reviews from critics are plenty. Ralph Fiennes and Anya Taylor-Joy were nominated for Best Actor and Best Actress – Musical or Comedy, respectively, at the 2022 Golden Globes.



       Then the familiar faces in usually fine movies and TV series: Nicholas Hoult, Hong Chau (kickass!) Janet McTeer, John Leguizamo, Judith Light.

       The first 15 minutes made me laugh and the “dinner presentation” was classy. Then it got messy (in my opinion), beginning with a dish called The Mess.

       If you are a fan of horror, I'd say cool. I was a huge fan then but horror with a structure, continuity, a bit of backstory to back up characterization. Or maybe I just got older. 

       However, I don't want to say this movie is awful though. It is a question of taste (pun intended). Yup, I commend the performance ensemble. But I can't ride with the accolades and awards. Nope. 🎥💻📽


“To Catch a Killer” (2023, Hulu) crime thriller film directed by Damián Szifron and starring Shailene Woodley and Ben Mendelsohn. Story: On New Year's Eve in Baltimore, a sniper begins killing random revelers. Beat cop Eleanor Falco (Ms Woodley) is among those who respond. Police identify the shooter's location as an apartment, just before it explodes. SWAT clear the apartment, and determine that no one has died there. And so on and so forth.



       It took me time to click/watch this movie. The title is too obvious and corny, you reckon? And while Ben never let me down, I am not so into Shailene. But then she did remarkably well in this one. And I realize this movie is superbly done, regardless of the so-so plotline.  

       The director, Damián Szifron is famous in Argentina for creating the TV series “Los Simuladores” (2002), the most successful TV series in the history of the country, and writer-director of “Wild Tales” (2014), the most successful film out there. More from Damian, please! 🎥💻📽


“Ted K” (2021, Hulu) historical crime drama. Starring Sharlto Copley as Ted Kaczynski, also known as the Unabomber, the film follows the mathematics prodigy turned domestic terrorist through the events leading to his arrest. 

       The show is all Mr Copley, a one-man show, yet he did good keeping me glued. Sans those impressionistic sequences that tend to distract, I give credit as well to the focused direction of Tony Stone. Although I had hoped for my dramatic sequences, I am not whining. Sharlto is a fine performer. 🎥💻📽



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